French

Studying Advanced Level French at King Solomon Academy

Why study French?

As with any modern language, French is regarded as an academically rigorous subject and one which is well respected by the UK’s leading universities. Additionally, in an increasingly globalised world, possessing at least one modern language helps candidates stand out against competitors in the job market. This often results in capable linguists earning more than monolinguists since organisations view them as having a superior skill set to those without a language. Finally, a good grounding in French will make it easier to acquire many other globally spoken languages including Spanish, Italian and Portuguese. Irrespective of your motivation for choosing French, learning a language is fun. In this respect, French will present you with opportunities to travel, to meet new people, try new food and explore a prominent global culture. It should be seen as a pleasure to be enjoyed as much as an academic qualification.

What will we study at AS?

At A-Level, French pupils can expect to deepen their knowledge of Francophone culture through detailed study of cultural and literary topics.

At KSA we study:

Changes in French society

Political and cultural life in the Francophone world

Immigration and Multicultural Society

French Occupation and Resistance

A film, for example Au Revoir Les Enfants

A book, for example Un sac de billes

How is our learning assessed at AS?

Listening, Reading, Writing

2 Hour Exam

70% of total AS Level

35% of total A Level

Speaking

35 Minutes

30% of total AS Level

15% of total A Level

What will we study at A2?

At A2, French pupils can expect to deepen their knowledge of Francophone culture through continued study of the topics covered at AS-level, as well as in-depth study of French literature or film and a historical period related to the French speaking world.

How is our learning assessed at A2?

Paper 1: Listening, Reading and Translation (into English) (40%)

Paper 2: Written response to works and translation (into French) (30%)

Paper 3: Speaking (30%)

Which subjects complement a study of French?

Pupils who choose to study French at AS and A-Level normally fall into one of three categories.

1) You are a linguist. Your strongest subjects at GCSE were language based ones such as French, Spanish, English and History. You want to use your language skills as your principal employment tool. This could involve working as a translator, in interpretation or for the foreign and diplomatic services.

2) You have chosen French because your strongest subjects are those which are literacy based. You will be strongest in subjects like French, Spanish, English and History. You want to use your language skills as an accompaniment to your literacy based capacity. This could involve using your language skills as an accompaniment to a global career in law, accountancy, journalism or education.

3) Your main AS Level subjects are those which put you on a scientific pathway. You will be strongest in Maths and Science but you enjoyed your studies of French at GCSE and want to study a language to broaden your appeal to universities and subsequent employers. You want to use your language skills as an accompaniment to your employment in the fields of medicine, engineering and technology.

What could I do next with an A level qualification in French?

An A-Level in French will of course leave you well equipped to study Modern Foreign Languages at university, but it will also provide you with the confidence to communicate effectively with French speakers in the UK and further afield. An A Level in languages is well-regarded by both universities and employers.

Which skills will I be developing through studying French?

Studying French to A-Level will leave you with well-honed communication skills, as well as broadening your knowledge of other cultures. You will develop your analytical thinking skills through the study of high level grammar and a variety of texts. Linguists become resilient and versatile due to the need to think on their feet and you can expect to grow in confidence as you begin to use the language more spontaneously.

Are there any extra-curricular opportunities to support my study of French?

Pupils of A-Level French at KSA can expect to enjoy foreign travel opportunities, as well as the various cultural experiences the French community in London offers.

What are the KSA requirements for entry onto the course?

You will need a minimum of a Grade B in French to be accepted onto the course.